The investigation into the death of 15-year-old Eden Westbrook in St Helens, Tasmania, is not just contentious—it's an outright disgrace. When I first looked into this case for "Under Investigation with Liz Hayes," I was appalled by the blatant lack of transparency from both the Tasmanian police and the coroner’s office. This investigation reeks of gross incompetence or a deliberate cover-up. The evidence, much of which has emerged since the airing of "Under Investigation," is too significant to have been overlooked by even the laziest investigators.

Eden Westbrook was found dead on the morning of February 18, 2015, in Fisherman's Memorial Park. The police and coroner were quick to rule it a suicide. However, Eden's family and many others, myself included, believe that the true circumstances of her death have been swept under the rug.

On the program, I was cautious about making statements on police actions without access to the investigation files. Yet, the three-page Coroner’s findings by Olivia McTaggart raised substantial red flags. McTaggart concluded that Eden died by hanging, an act she claimed was voluntary. She even praised the police for their "comprehensive investigation." The evidence cited included the forensic pathologist's opinion, police and witness affidavits, medical records, and forensic evidence. This conclusion is not just puzzling—it's outrageous. Key witnesses were ignored, and critical injuries, such as broken teeth and ligature marks on Eden's wrists, were not adequately addressed. This raises serious questions about whether McTaggart was misinformed, unduly influenced by the police, or received an incomplete investigation report.

Eden's parents, Amanda and Jason Westbrook, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the investigation. They argue, and rightly so, that essential evidence was overlooked from the start. This includes missing CCTV footage allegedly showing Eden speaking with an older woman shortly before her death and the police’s failure to interview key witnesses.

One of the most damning pieces of evidence is from the female delivery driver who found Eden's body. This woman, a mother of six and former Saint Johns responder, provided a first-hand account of the scene, independent of the police and emotionally tainted parties like Eden's parents. Her description of the rope and how it was wrapped around the branches and Eden’s neck completely contradicts the idea of a voluntary hanging. This, along with all the other circumstantial evidence, points to murder, not suicide.

Further infuriating is how this witness was later called into her local police station for further questioning by the coroner’s office. The main question she was asked was about ligature marks on Eden’s wrists, which she didn’t see. The fact that there were ligature marks should have warranted a full investigation and inquest, rather than being dismissed in a three-page report by what can only be described as an unfit or compromised coroner.

Adding to this travesty, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, the officer overseeing Eden’s case, was later exposed as a paedophile who exploited children. He died by suicide in 2018 amid an investigation into his conduct. And yet, the Tasmanian Police Force had the audacity to honor him with a full police honors service. This is beyond sickening. We now know there were at least 50 victims, and who knows how many more there could be.

While I don't believe Eden was killed due to any paedophilia ring Reynolds was involved in, his ability to oversee and consult on any matters involving young people is highly questionable.

The family has pointed out other troubling aspects of the case, such as Eden's mobile phone, which could have provided crucial information but was cremated with her body. Additionally, there were allegations of child sexual abuse in the area, which some believe could be connected to Eden's death. The fact that this phone, which might have held critical evidence, was not seized by the police is beyond negligent—it's criminal.

Despite numerous requests, the family's call for a new inquest has been denied by Tasmania's Chief Magistrate. Former Premier Peter Gutwein also refused to intervene, claiming the initial investigation was competently conducted. However, an independent review by Weiss is ongoing and may finally provide new insights into the case. This review is critical because it might uncover the systemic issues within the Tasmanian police force and coroner’s office that led to such a botched investigation.

The Westbrook family continues their relentless pursuit of the truth, hoping that one day justice will be served for Eden. This case highlights the absolute necessity for thorough and impartial investigations, especially when there are serious allegations of misconduct by authorities involved. The entire process needs a complete overhaul to ensure no family has to endure the same travesty of justice.

This investigation is a prime example of why we must hold our law enforcement and judicial systems to the highest standards. When they fail, it is not just a failure of procedure—it is a failure of justice itself. Eden Westbrook and her family deserve better, and it is our duty to demand accountability and transparency until justice is served.

And whilst I will be attacked for this comment – the Tasmanian system, it’s employees, police, politicians, institutions, and legal representatives are 20 years behind the rest of Australia and need to get up to date very quickly. People can not die nowadays without full transparency and investigation.